The Ryan Leak Podcast

Egg nog, ugly sweaters, decorations, jingles, and watching The Grinch—Christmas has a way of slowing the world down and inviting us into something meaningful, whether we consider ourselves religious or not. In this episode, There’s Something About Mary, we step back from the noise and look at the origin of Christmas through the life of a teenage girl named Mary.You don’t have to be a Christian to respect what happened two thousand years ago. A single life sparked a movement that shaped history, culture, and the world we live in today. And that life entered the world because Mary said yes. This episode explores the often-missed Jewish context of her story, the courage behind her decision, and why her willingness still matters.More than a Christmas story, this is an invitation. If Mary could wake up one ordinary day, be confronted with her destiny, and choose yes—what might be possible if you did the same? A reflective and encouraging episode designed for anyone who wants to understand why Christmas matters and how one brave yes can change everything.

What do you get someone who already has everything?In this episode, Ryan Leak makes the case that the rarest gift isn’t expensive. It’s specific encouragement. You’ll learn how to write a simple note that people keep for years, why your words carry more value than anything money can buy, and how to give a gift that can’t be returned but will always be remembered. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right present, this episode will change the way you think about generosity, gratitude, and the lasting power of your words.

If the phrase “holiday party” makes your soul want to put on sweatpants and hide behind a plant, this episode is for you. Today, Ryan breaks down how introverts—ambiverts—and anyone whose social battery comes with a strict warranty can actually enjoy small talk instead of fearing it.You’ll learn why you don’t have to be loud to be memorable, how to walk into any gathering with a simple plan, and the exact prompts and exits that make conversations feel lighter, not draining. Think of this as your holiday survival guide for mingling, minus the panic sweats.Whether you love people in theory but not in crowds, or you’re just tired of answering, “So, staying busy?”, this episode will help you walk into the room with confidence and walk out with real connection.Short, funny, practical—and guaranteed to make your next holiday party a little less awkward.

Imagine if gratitude wasn’t just a yearly feeling, but a daily practice! In this episode, Ryan dives into the concept of Thanksliving, contrasting it with Thanksgiving, and delves into how gratitude can actually reshape your brain. He also tackles the sneaky entitlement that sometimes sneaks into our lives. With heartfelt stories, like a transformative moment in Chicago that changed his view of his mom, and candid moments of doubt (“Do we really need more to appreciate what we have?”), this episode will really change your perspective. From work and marriage to parenting and even traffic, Ryan reminds us that even our frustrations can be seen as blessings someone else is hoping for. Gratitude doesn’t ignore the challenges we face, but it does help us handle them differently. Try incorporating Thanksliving into your life this week, and see how your home becomes a more positive place.

We’ve all got that family member we’re already bracing ourselves for this holiday season. For some people, the holidays feel less like a celebration and more like a cold plunge — get in, get out, and try not to scream. But you don’t have to match anyone else’s energy this year. In this episode, Ryan shows you how to prepare for people’s patterns, protect your peace, and lead the moment you’re in. You’ll learn how intentional questions can shift the tone at any table, how to avoid becoming someone you don’t like, and how to set a new standard for the holidays long before the drama starts. This isn’t about surviving the season — it’s about shaping it.

Phenomenal skill gets you noticed—but phenomenal will makes you unstoppable. In this episode, Ryan explores the powerful difference between what you can measure and what you can’t. From the 10,000-hour rule to Angela Duckworth’s research on grit, and the inspiring story of Jamie Kern Lima—who turned rejection after rejection into a $1.2 billion success—this episode reminds us that talent might open the door, but perseverance keeps you in the room. Skill helps you start. Will helps you finish.👉 If today’s episode encouraged you, text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly inspiration and leadership insights straight to your phone.

Ever met someone who seems to have the spiritual gift of discouragement? You know... the person who finds the flaw in every plan, the hole in every idea, and the typo in every email. In this episode, Ryan shares why those people are actually gifts to your life and leadership. The very person who tells you what’s not working might be the reason you don’t settle for mediocrity. Learn how to reframe “negativity” as discernment, embrace honest feedback, and build a team that’s both encouraging and refining.

We’ve got cold plunges, calorie counters, greens, gyms, diets, and Ozempic for our physical fitness, but what about our mental fitness? In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down a simple, practical routine for training your mind the same way you train your body. From your morning mental warm-up to emotional resistance training, gratitude cool-downs, and rest days for your brain, this one will help you build a stronger, clearer, and more resilient mindset. Because when your mind is fit, your life follows.

Everyone loves to talk about having that “dog” in them... the hunger, the grit, the relentless drive that separates high performers from the rest. But what happens when that same fire goes unchecked? In this episode, Ryan unpacks the fine line between passion and chaos and why real greatness requires more than just drive... it requires discipline. You’ll learn why strength without control can lead to self-destruction, how to channel your ambition instead of being ruled by it, and what it really means to be a dog with discipline.

In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down ten practical ways to share your faith at work—without preaching a sermon. From showing up on time to going the extra mile, Faith At Work reminds us that the loudest message you’ll ever preach doesn’t come from your mouth—it comes from your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.

Forgiveness isn’t just a church thing. It’s not just a faith thing. It’s a science thing. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks the astounding research from both Eastern and Western medicine on how unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. From impaired liver function in Chinese medicine to reduced risk of heart disease in Western studies, the evidence is clear: your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.Here are a few of the studies mentioned:World Journal of Gastroenterology on liver function and chronic anger: linkJohns Hopkins Medicine on the health benefits of forgiveness: linkJournal of Behavioral Medicine study on forgiveness and mental health: linkMayo Clinic on forgiveness and stress relief: linkBut science can only take you so far. If you’re wondering how to actually forgive, Ryan points to the model and the power found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to take the next steps in your faith journey or receive prayer, text “Jesus” to 469-809-1201, and Ryan’s team would love to connect with you.And if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, check out Ryan’s full message on forgiveness here: Watch on YouTube

Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life.I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re criticized, and a practical framework you can use to process tough feedback with a trusted voice. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, sift what’s true from what’s noise, and turn criticism into a tool for growth instead of a weapon against your worth.If you’ve ever struggled with a negative comment, a bad review, or a hard word from someone you love... this episode will give you a healthier, more empowering way to approach it.Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get encouraging text from me every week!

In a week filled with tragedy and nonstop scrolling, many of us felt the weight of collective triggering. Do I post? What do I post? Do I delete it? How do I keep relationships intact when emotions are running high?In this episode, Ryan Leak explores the art of disagreeing without disrespect, why friendships shouldn’t dissolve in 20 seconds over one post, and how respect and humility can change the tone of even the hardest conversations. It’s about learning to pause, breathe, and be kind... even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

In the final episode of the Success Series, Ryan Leak unpacks the most sobering truth of all: success doesn’t last. From viral moments to bestselling milestones, the applause fades faster than you think. Whether it’s leading a Fortune 50 company, playing in the NBA, or hitting a career high, success often disappears like a mist... visible for a moment, then gone.But what does last?How you treated people.The impact you made.If you’ve ever chased success only to find it didn’t satisfy, this episode is for you. Ryan brings real stories, hard truths, and a powerful reminder that true success isn’t about the spotlight... it’s about your legacy.Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get weekly encouragement sent straight to your phone.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re talking about the addiction of success. There’s a fine line between being driven and being dependent—and far too many people cross it without even knowing it. From the pressure to keep up appearances to chasing validation through likes, shares, and applause, Ryan unpacks what it looks like when success stops being a blessing and starts becoming a burden. You’ll learn the difference between healthy contentment and complacency, and walk away with a better question to ask yourself: Do you have success… or does success have you?If you’d like to get weekly encouraging texts from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

Everyone wants success… until they feel the pressure that comes with it. In this episode, Ryan unpacks what happens after you win: the pressure to stay on top, to outperform your last big moment, and to keep everyone impressed. Drawing from fresh research led by Dr. Angela on stress and "stressure" (stress + pressure), Ryan gets real about what success can do to your peace, your pace, and your purpose. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in expectations while trying to keep it all together, this one's for you.You don’t just need strategies for success. You need systems to survive it.Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly encouragement straight to your phone.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan breaks down what most people won’t tell you about success... it’s not just hard to get, it’s even harder to manage. From losing your edge to losing your people, success can quietly sabotage the very things that matter most if you’re not paying attention. Ryan shares the subtle ways success can shift your mindset, mess with your relationships, and make you play it safe when you used to dream big.If you’re on the path to something great, or already living in what you once prayed for, this episode is your reminder to stay grounded, stay growing, and stay grateful. Because success isn’t just about what you build; it’s about who you become.If you want weekly encouragement sent straight to your phone, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan asks a bold question: What does it cost to be you?  Success often looks easy from the outside, but the behind-the-scenes story usually includes late nights, tough decisions, and sacrifices no one ever sees. Whether it's private jets, real estate empires, or viral influence, there's always a price tag success doesn't advertise.This kicks off a short series on success we'll be unpacking over the next few weeks... so if you're chasing a dream, this one's for you.Want to get a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your phone? Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to join the list.

In this episode, Ryan unpacks why most people confuse a bad moment with a bad day, and how that simple mix-up can hijack your peace. He shares a personal story about spiraling over book reviews, breaks down the science of negativity bias, and reminds us that we don’t have to give a rude email, a low-like post, or a traffic jam that much power. One moment doesn’t define your mindset. You do.Each week, Ryan sends out an encouraging text. If you'd like to subscribe to those, just text podcast to 469-809-1201.

In this episode, Ryan explores the underrated power of boring. He breaks down how NBA players, elite entrepreneurs, and even happy couples all rely on boring routines to achieve extraordinary results. While most people chase what’s flashy and exciting, Ryan makes the case that consistency, the kind that feels repetitive and unglamorous, is actually the secret to success. From vending machines to funeral homes, from writing talks to managing budgets, Ryan shares how embracing boring is what unlocks the life everyone wants.Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly encouraging texts from Ryan.